Definitions and Examples of Basic Sentence Elements

She completed her literature review, and she created her reference list.

He organized his sources by theme; then, he updated his reference list.

They studied APA rules for many hours, but they realized there was still much to learn.

Using some compound sentences in writing allows for more sentence variety.

Complex Sentences

A complex sentence contains at least one independent clause and at least one dependent clause. Dependent clauses can refer to the subject (who, which) the sequence/time (since, while), or the causal elements (because, if) of the independent clause.

If a sentence begins with a dependent clause, note the comma after this clause. If, on the other hand, the sentence begins with an independent clause, there is not a comma separating the two clauses.

Key: independent clause = yellow, bold; comma = pink, regular font; dependent clause = blue, italics

Here are a few examples:

• 
  Although she completed her literature review, she still needed to work on her methods section.
  
  • 
    Note the comma in this sentence because it begins with a dependent clause.
    

• 
  Because he organized his sources by theme, it was easier for his readers to follow.
  
  • 
    Note the comma in this sentence because it begins with a dependent clause.
    

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